Car Accidents Caused by Tire Blowouts in Brevard County

Tire Blowouts Can Cause Serious Accidents

A tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control of his or her car in a matter of seconds. When traveling at freeway speeds, accidents caused by tire blowouts can be fatal. Losing just one tire results in loss of 25 percent of a car's traction. Combine speed and loss of traction with the natural reaction to slam on the brakes, and any sudden movement can result in a serious accident.

Potentially more catastrophic than a passenger vehicle experiencing a tire blowout is a tire blowout on a big rig truck. Tires on big rig trucks are often under great strain, which weakens tire strength and increases the risk of a blowout. When the driver of a big rig truck loses control, it can impact multiple lanes of traffic and cause several fatalities.

What Causes Tire Blowouts?

A tire blowout can happen at any time, potentially causing a driver to lose control of his or her vehicle, resulting in a serious car accident. Blowouts happen when a tire can no longer support the weight of an automobile due to a loss of air pressure. Factors that can cause a loss of air pressure and subsequently result in a blowout include:

• Driving over large potholes
• A large puncture that causes rapid air loss
• A small puncture that causes the tire to gradually deflate
• Defective tires
• Overfilling tires with too much air, causing them to pop
• Overloading a vehicle

Preventing Accidents Caused by Tire Blowouts

The best way to prevent accidents caused by tire blowouts is to make sure your tires are properly maintained. Have your tires regularly inspected by a trusted tire dealer and have your tires rotated as recommended. In between professional inspections, do a quick check of you tires before you drive. Look for signs of punctures, make sure traction is sufficient, and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Other ways to prevent an accident in the event of a tire blowout include:

• Keep both hands on your steering wheel at all times to improve control in the even of a tire blowout.
• Avoid drastic movements and instead gently steer in the direction opposite of the blown out tire to counter the pulling caused by the deflated tire.
• Do not brake suddenly but maintain your rate of speed in an effort to keep control of your car. Once you have gained control, slow down and pull off the road. 
• Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car in front of you to give yourself time to avoid road hazards, like large potholes, that may cause a tire blowout.

Contact Our Expert Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a tire blowout, the experienced car accident attorneys at Charpentier Law Firm can help you in your time of need. You are encouraged to contact our legal team today by calling 321-308-8020 to learn more about which legal actions may be right for you.